A History of Welsh Piracy: Seaborne Marauding from the Romans to the Present

Overview

Spanning almost 2,000 years from the Romans to the Welsh officers and sailors engaged in Royal Naval anti-pirate operations during the early 21st century, this course examines the long history of piratical activity carried out along Welsh coastlines or conducted by its seafaring inhabitants.
Throughout the Medieval period there is extensive evidence for maritime raiding in the seas of Wales by Anglo-Saxons, the Irish and Viking marauders; both English and Welsh sailors would also often resort to piracy during the Anglo-Welsh wars. Far beyond local waters, Welsh-born pirates and buccaneers achieved infamy in the Caribbean of the Early Modern era. Over the course of ten weeks, learners will also examine the geographical, political, military and economic conditions that allowed seaborne marauding to flourish along the coastlines of Wales and which, at certain points in history, would make piracy an attractive and potentially lucrative (albeit extremely hazardous) occupation. There will also be analysis of the vessels, weapons and tactics employed by the various sea rovers operating in Welsh waters, or those utilized by pirates who originated in the country.

Programme 

The course will consist of ten two hour lectures. Within each lecture, time will be set aside for group work and more general discussions of the topics and themes under consideration. Learners will study the following:

• 1, Introduction: Overview of the Course and the Themes to Be Addressed
  Basic breakdown of the course structure. Setting out how the lectures will be ordered and the themes that will be addressed. The nature of the assessments. Efforts to define what constitutes a ‘pirate’, and the closely related activities of privateers or buccaneers. The historically close relationship of piracy to smuggling as well as the trade in slaves.
• 2, The Maritime Environment of Wales
  The coastal topography of Wales, along with the prevailing wind and sea conditions experienced in the Irish Sea, St George’s Channel and the Bristol Channel. The natural hazards these regions of sea could pose to pirates (and other seafarers). Analysis of how such natural factors have inhibited and/or encouraged the activities of pirates operating in Welsh waters.
• 3, Roman Rule and the Medieval Period
  The anti-piratical presence of the imperial Classis Britannica (the British Navy). The approach of the Romans to piracy. Literary and archaeological evidence for Irish and Anglo-Saxon raiding during the so-called Dark Ages. Examination of the accounts of the depredations directed against the inhabitants of the Welsh coast by Viking raiders. The High and Later Middle Ages when piracy would flourish at times of conflict between the warring Welsh Princes, or during attempts by the English crown to annex and retain possession of Welsh territory.
• 4, Welsh Piracy Goes International
  Welsh participation in maritime raiding during the conflicts waged between the European powers as they sought to seize and control lands in the New World; colonial ambitions that created ideal conditions for piracy. The rise of Tudor-era privateers/pirates during the wars with Spain, and the temptation of the wealth generated in the Americas with the establishment of the slave-dependent economies and shipped across the Atlantic.
• 5, Technological Change
  The evolution of the technology available to pirates and other seafarers operating throughout the age of sail. Analysis of the changing nature of hull construction and sail configurations spanning antiquity through to the Early Modern era. Exploration of the navigational advances that would also be utilized by not only pirates, but by other mariners operating off the coast of Wales, along with those developments of marine technologies that allowed Welsh sea-rovers to operate on the opposite side of the Atlantic.
• 6, Welsh Pirates of the Caribbean
  The Welsh mariners who gained infamy during the Golden Age of Piracy (c. 1650–1730). The historical accounts, and later mythologizing, of the activities Sir Henry Morgan, Howell Davis, Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart; Barti Ddu) and other Welsh buccaneers and pirates operating in the Caribbean. Efforts by the British and other European powers to capture and punish pirates, and to curb the practice more generally. The maritime environment of the Caribbean.
• 7, The Barbary Corsairs
  Raids and slaving operations conducted by the Barbary pirates operating from North Africa which threatened Welsh sailors and fishermen operating in home waters, as well as the inhabitants of coastal settlements along the coasts of Wales. Literary accounts of the raids, and the efforts of the British government and the Royal Navy to secure Welsh waters and eradicate the threat posed by the corsairs.
• 8, Welsh Piracy in Popular Culture
  The portrayal of pirates in novels, television and film has served to shape and distort the manner with which sea-rovers have been perceived by recent generations. Analysis of how the glamour and derring-do frequently associated with the tricorne-wearing sea-dogs operating on the far side of the Atlantic compared to the reality gleaned from contemporary accounts. The very real danger posed to past communities living on and near the Welsh coast by those engaged in piratical activities.
• 9, Anti-Pirate Operations of the Modern Era
  Participation of Welsh sailors, along with vessels constructed in the dockyards of Wales, as part of efforts to drive pirates from international sea-lanes during the Pax Britannica. Men and women serving in the Royal Navy have continued to contribute to international anti-pirate operations in the 21st century. Examination of logbook entries from those engaged in hunting modern pirates, and newspaper articles and television reports of more recent anti-pirate undertakings.
• 10, Concluding Thoughts and Discussions
  Review of previous lectures with discussion of the principal themes covered throughout the course.

Learning Outcomes

1. Compare the relative merits of a wide range of primary and secondary sources relating to not only piratical activity in Wales, but of Welsh society more generally, across broad spans of time.
2. Identify the wide variety of factors – including coastal topography, prevailing wind and sea conditions, access to ship and navigational technology, levels of seamanship, etc. – that have impacted upon the history of Welsh piracy, and maritime activity in the waters off Wales more generally.
3. Be comfortable drawing on a range of material in order to better illustrate and strengthen arguments presented during discussions focused on aspects of Welsh Piracy.
4. Evaluate how wider socio-political elements, such as imperialism and colonialism, which directly affected the proliferation of piracy.
5. Undertake personal research as part of the ‘News Report’ assessment, collecting and appraising material before producing a brief article.
6. Acquire a wider appreciation of the efforts of the officers and sailors of the Royal Navy to stamp out international piracy throughout the course of the last two centuries.

Assessments

1. Written Article - 30%
2. Written Essay - 70%

Reading Suggestions

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements.

What Do I Need?

• Internet access.
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit.
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.